ENan and I just returned from a fabulous 12-day trip to the southwest. We visited 7 national parks, 3 state parks, several national monuments and drove through a couple of national forests. Each of the national parks was unique and breath-taking in its own way. We tried to choose a favorite park but could not, in good conscience, move any of them down the list.
No doubt one of the most unique places we have ever been was Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The landscape looks like it was created by Dr. Seuss as massive “hoodoos” rise up out of the earth. These geologic formations were created over millions of years of shifting sands and seas, which were then eroded by rushing waters.
I am not sure where the term “hoodoo” comes from, but as we hiked among them, I found myself humming the tune of “Mr. Big Stuff.” If you remember the song, you are already anticipating, “Who do you think you are?” (I don’t have to explain, do I?)
As we continued our trek down into the canyon, my somewhat twisted brain did shift to a more spiritual (though still corny) direction. I thought of the time Jesus was in a remote place with his disciples. He asked them, “Who do (there it is again!) the crowds say I am?” (Luke 9:18) The disciples shared the rumors they had heard floating around. “Some say John the Baptist. Some say Elijah or one of the other prophets.”
Jesus brings the conversation much closer home by asking, “But what about you? Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20) I believe this was a pivotal moment for the followers of Jesus. Even though they had heard his teachings and witnessed his miracles, they had to pause to reflect, “Is Jesus a teacher? Is he a prophet? Is he a miracle worker?” Peter finally spoke up and said, “You are God’s Messiah!”
Acknowledging this truth changes everything. If Jesus truly is the Savior sent from God to restore our relationship with the Father, then we have to ask not only, “Who is Jesus?” but also, “Who is he to me?”
So, Mr/Ms Big Stuff, “Who do YOU say he is?”
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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